President of the Friends of Wilby Hall Committee Robert Clover, one of the original members of the Wilby Hall committee Norm Whinray and RSL Sub Branch Gary Guigotti with the Wilby Hall’s new information sign which honours all servicemen and women from Wilby and district.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
The township of Wilby was buzzing with activity last Sunday, April 24 with 60 people including members of the Yarrawonga Mulwala RSL Sub-Branch and local residents joining a special ceremony to unveil the new information sign at the front of Wilby Hall.
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Being a memorial hall, the Sub-Branch generously covered the cost of the sign which outlines how the hall was opened on April 12 1957 in honour of all servicemen and women from Wilby and district who served during any war.
The names of those who lost their lives in battle are commemorated on plaques both inside and outside the hall.
The significance of the mural recently painted to cover the front wall of the hall is also described on the sign.
Artist Sobrane Simcock was asked to acknowledge in her painting that it is a memorial hall and to depict the community use as well as some local flora and fauna from the Wilby area to be displayed.
Sobrane cleverly included a soldier and wreath with red remembrance poppies as well as dancers, birds and plants which combine to achieve this very well.
Many visitors who enjoy a day trip admiring the north east silo art trail now call by Wilby Hall to admire the work.
A great crowd attended the unveiling ceremony.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
President of the Friends of Wilby Hall Committee, Robert Glover thanked the RSL Sub-Branch for their contribution which is a great addition to the hall.
Gary Guidotti, President of the RSL Sub-Branch said they were pleased to participate in the unveiling of Wilby’s sign during their annual, pre-Anzac Day bus trip to visit Lake Rowan and St James.
Trevor Hargreaves, a former long-term Wilby resident delivered the oath and spoke of some of the soldiers who fought for their country.
Norm Whinray, one of the original members of the Wilby Hall committee, spoke of their decision to build the hall all those years ago. It has become a great and lasting monument.
At the same time, the monthly old-time dance was in progress in the hall. Over 40 dancers enjoyed toe-tapping music and a well-chosen dance program.
It was a beautiful sunny autumn afternoon for both events with both groups mingling to enjoy each of the events.
After the unveiling, afternoon tea was served in the new extension of the Wilby CFA shed and many stories of times at the hall were told.
All agreed that a similar Anzac gathering should be held next year.
